With early diagnosis boosting the chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 to 90 per cent, local people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven are being asked to check their mouths and seek advice during Mouth Cancer Action Month, November 1 – 30, 2023.

Last year, 8864 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer and 3034 people lost their lives to the disease.

Nadiya Suida, clinical director of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust's Community Dental Service, explains, “Potential signs of mouth cancer include a mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area. It’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth and get checked out.”

To help people do just that, the Care Trust’s Oral Health Team is holding a series of events offering free advice and mouth cancer screening, as well as dental advice and a free toothbrush this month.

“Statistics show us that men over 55 are particularly at risk, especially if they smoke and drink, but mouth cancer can affect anyone,” said Nadiya. “That’s why we want to encourage anyone who’s able to pop along to one of our events to say hello to our friendly team and get checked.”

The team will be easily recognisable, sporting the blue lips that have become associated with the mouth cancer awareness campaign.

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